Don’t Forget to Wear Purple on February 1st
In a show of solidarity in support of Evelyn and her family,
we are asking everyone to wear purple to school on February 1st
As many in the community are aware, one of our most courageous Panthers is in need of our assistance. Evelyn Durbin, daughter of Augusta and Charlie, has been fighting cancer over the past year. At this time, complications are requiring daily blood transfusions during her battle in the hospital. We are encouraging others to donate now at a local donor site or sign up for the Purple Blood Drive on ISB campus to show our support for Evelyn. There is currently a nationwide shortage of blood and platelets. Although we cannot donate directly to Eveyln, this increases the resources so that they have ample resources for her and those like her. If you cannot donate, we know her family appreciates all the prayers, best wishes, and positive thoughts our community can give during this difficult time. Also, in a show of solidarity we are asking everyone to wear Purple to show support on February 1, 2022! For donor related concerns, please feel free to reach out to the ISB Health Center at isbnurse@isb.ac.th.
Important Blood Donation Information
Sterile techniques are used for blood donations and all blood is screened for infectious diseases after it is donated. All potential donors should be fit and healthy on the day of donation and will need to fill out a questionnaire prior to donation (please see donation guidelines below to see if you are eligible to donate). Donors should be 17-70 years old (see below) and will be reviewed by the donation team to ensure they are ok to donate (this includes a check of their hemoglobin prior to donation). Questionnaire forms are available to pick up from the ISB Health Center if you would like to fill them out before the day to save you time when you donate. Potential donors should ensure they are well rested, well hydrated and have a low fat breakfast/lunch prior to donating.
If you are willing to donate (and meet the criteria below) please sign up HERE.
We ask potential donors to nominate a time (30 minute time slot) they would be able to donate so we can limit waiting times and ensure the Red Cross have enough staff to cope with donor numbers. Donation times are 9am-12pm and 1-3pm.
Thailand Red Cross Donation Criteria
The Red Cross defines an acceptable donor as one whom:
- 1st time donors ages 17-60 (print, sign and return CONSENT FORMS on Feb. 1)
- Consistent previous donor (up to age 70)
- Weighs at least 45 kg (99 lbs).
You will not be able to donate if:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Gave birth or had a miscarriage in the past six months.
- Had diarrhea in the past seven days.
- Had unintentional rapid weight loss within the past three months
- Had dental treatment in the past three days.
- Had major surgery in the past six months or minor surgery in the past seven days.
- Have a history of drug use or been imprisoned in the past three years.
- Received a blood transfusion in the past year.
- Visited any area where malaria is endemic in the past year or actually had malaria in the past three years.
- Resided in the UK for more than 3 months during the period 1980-1996 or received a blood transfusion in the UK during that time.
- Resided in Europe for more than 5 years during the period 1980-present.
- Have taken any medication other than Paracetamol/acetaminophen.
- Have tested positive for hepatitis B or C in the past.
- Have family members diagnosed with hepatitis within the past 6 months.
- Have asthma, epilepsy, chronic skin diseases, chronic cough, tuberculosis, allergies, high blood pressure, heart/kidney/thyroid disease, cancer, bleeding disorder, etc.
- Have had ear/body piercings, tattoos made or removed, or acupuncture in the past year.
- Have received any vaccinations in the last 2 months or received vaccination against Yellow Fever in the last 2 weeks.
- Have received a serum injection in the past year.
- Consumed alcohol in the preceding 24 hours.
COVID-19 Related Information:
- If you have had any contact with a positive case you must wait 4 weeks before being able to donate
- If you had Covid-19, you must wait a minimum of 4 weeks before donating
- Those who have been vaccinated with Sinovac, must wait 1 week before donating
- Those who have been vaccinated with AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson, must wait 4 weeks before donating [also Pfizer and Moderna]
You may not be able to donate:
- Have taken any medication other than Paracetamol/acetaminophen (the staff will discuss this with you on the donation day).
Before donating blood you should:
- Get enough sleep (at least six hours).
- Drink at least 3-4 cups of pure water to prepare your system and avoid getting dizzy.
- Do not consume alcohol in the 24 hours prior to donating.
- Eat something healthy that is low in fat. No high fat foods for 6 hours preceding donation.
- Refrain from smoking at least one hour before and after the donation.
